Inter destroyed by Schalke

A MATCH which began with Inter Milan scoring one of the great Champions League goals ended with the holders’ ambitions of retaining the trophy all but dead as Schalke twice came from behind in the San Siro to claim a commanding advantage in their quarter-final.

A MATCH which began with Inter Milan scoring one of the great Champions League goals ended with the holders’ ambitions of retaining the trophy all but dead as Schalke twice came from behind in the San Siro to claim a commanding advantage in their quarter-final.

Dejan Stankovic needed just 25 seconds to volley his side into the lead from the centre circle, but Joel Matip levelled, just as Edu did before half-time after Diego Milito restored Inter’s lead.

It was all downhill for the Italian champions after the break as Raul netted for Schalke, Andrea Ranocchia scored an own goal and Cristian Chivu picked up his second red card in four days, before Edu notched again to round off a miserable night.

It all looked so promising for Inter, who were coming off a 3-0 defeat against derby rivals AC Milan, as they immediately took the lead in stunning fashion.

Manuel Neuer advanced out of his area under pressure from Milito and headed clear. He got good distance but the ball went straight to Stankovic in the centre circle, who showed great technique and power to volley first time over the defence, over Neuer and over the line.